Aquatic Ecology Practice Area Lead

Aquatic Ecology Practice Area Lead

Compensation: $130,000 - $170,000 annually (negotiable based on experience)

Location: Remote (WA preferred)

About Spheros Environmental

Today’s world is changing rapidly. Environmental challenges continue to grow in scope, number, and complexity while environmental events increase in severity around the globe. To keep up with the ever-changing conditions, rules, and regulations in the environmental space, clients increasingly require scientific expertise to navigate the regulatory landscape and maintain their right to operate. Spheros aims to be a leader in comprehensive environmental consulting services, setting the standard for excellence, innovation and sustainability practices worldwide.

Position Summary

Spheros Environmental has an exciting opportunity for an Aquatic Ecology Practice Area Lead to join our team. This leadership role will develop innovative solutions for our Aquatic Ecology Practice Area and lead technical mentorship of a diverse team of scientists and subject matter experts working across freshwater and marine ecosystems. The successful candidate will bring an entrepreneurial attitude and enthusiasm for business development, as well as strong technical acumen to extend Spheros Environmental’s market share in aquatic science and consulting.

Essential Functions

Practice Leadership

• Establishes and upholds technical standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes across the aquatic ecology practice area.
• Remains connected to and knowledgeable about trends in the aquatic ecology practice area and communicates proactively with leadership.
• Mentors, coaches, and develops team members to enhance technical capabilities and leadership potential.
• Establishes, administers, and continually improves a mentorship program across the aquatic ecology practice area.
• Ensures quality assurance and review processes are robust and current across the aquatic ecology practice area.
• Develops practice area-specific risk management processes including health & safety.
• Maintains compliance with company processes, SOPs, and professional standards.

Project Delivery and Collaboration

• Upholds technical excellence in project delivery including federal (e.g. Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act), state, and local aquatic regulations, wetland delineation and permitting, aquatic habitat assessment, water quality monitoring, and ecological impact studies for infrastructure and development near water bodies. Actively contributes technical analyses on client projects and deliverables.
• Knowledgeable about consulting services for aquatic ecology, like fisheries monitoring and population modeling, aquatic and riparian habitat assessments, wetland delineation and restoration, macroinvertebrate surveys, toxicology and bioassessment, etc.
• Experienced managing projects and staff, providing technical leadership and oversight, and identifying and mitigating risk.
• Collaborates with Division and Region operations leadership, other Practice Area Leads, Market Sector Leads, and Key Client Managers to position the company for high-quality project delivery.
• Identifies hiring needs for the practice area and contributes to recruiting and training efforts.
• Champions the company culture and values across the organization.

Client Engagement and Business Development

• Maintains visibility and reputation through regular client contact, participation in client-based professional organizations, and attendance and presentations at industry events.
• Builds and maintains strong client relationships with public- and private-sector organizations.
• Collaborates with project managers to meet or exceed sales goals with a heavy emphasis on cross-selling.
• Identifies new business opportunities, prepare proposals, and lead pursuit efforts.
• Represents the company as a thought leader through presentations, publications, and participation in industry associations.

Required Qualifications

• A BA or BS degree in science, engineering, or business
• At least 15 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g. BS + 11 years, MS + 10 years, PhD + 9 years).
• Prior experience working within aquatic resource management and compliance frameworks.
• Deep understanding of environmental regulations and laws that pertain to aquatic environments and industries (NEPA, ESA, Federal Power Act, Clean Water Act, etc).
• Strong relationships and networks with existing clients in the aquatic ecology field or other related disciplines (e.g., limnology, fisheries, riparian ecology, etc.),
• Experience working successfully with a diversity of regulatory entities and stakeholders including federal, state, and local agencies; tribes, NGOs, etc.
• Understands the aquatic ecology practice area and understands client needs.
• Brings strong business development skills, including strong existing client relationships management and proposal leadership.
• Delivers a high level of accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail through effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable and familiar managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment through excellent organizational, time management, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel in support of project and business development activities.
• Previous experience working in an environmental or engineering consulting firm (or similar) and a strong interest in environmental projects.

Why Spheros Environmental?

• Competitive Compensation: Generous salary range with bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and advancement.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a company that values collaboration and client service.
• Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.

Apply today! Spheros Environmental is an equal-opportunity employer.